As the ferry approaches the port, Portara immediately catches the visitors’ eye. Portara is the literal word for “big door”. It is an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo. This is where, according to Greek mythology, Dionysus met Ariadne. Portara was built on a small rocky peninsula called Palatia. Portara and Palatia are a favourite afternoon walk for all those who love the view of an unforgettable sunset.

The old town of Naxos is surrounded by the castle and was built over the remains of the ancient town of Kallipolis. Pass under the “Trani Porta”, a gate to the old town in the castle and you will feel as if you are making a trip back in time. Stroll around the narrow streets, bend under the arches and pass in front of the houses, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, some of them still having their coat of arms on the walls. You will see the Venetian church, the Catholic Cathedral, the remains of Marko Sanoudos mansion and the Nuns’ School.

click on thumbnails to enlarge

Part of the archaeological site of Grotta area is under the sea. According to archaeologists, this is where the ancient “agora” was. Naxos Archaeological Museum exhibits many important findings from Naxos as well as from the surrounding islands of Koufonissia, Keros & Donoussa. These findings date back in the prehistoric times through to the Byzantine era. The visitor can admire many items such as tools, weapons, made of gold, bronze and other materials, pottery and of course a wide collection of the world famous elegant Cycladic idols.

Naxos town has other museums as well. One of them is the Museum of the Cathedral. This museum is under the ground, in front of the Cathedral, on the spot where ruins from the Mycenaean era have been discovered. There is also a museum with exhibits from the Venetian era, housed in one of the mansions formerly inhabited by people who descend from Venetian families.